Atiku Halts ADC Membership Card Collection Amid Speculation Over Jonathan’s 2027 Ambition

Atiku, who recently resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after prolonged internal wrangling was scheduled to officially join the ADC in a high-profile event at his hometown of Jada, Adamawa State, on Wednesday, August 6. The ceremony, where ADC officials were to present him with his membership card has now been postponed indefinitely.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has suspended plans to formally collect his African Democratic Congress (ADC) membership card, in a move that has stirred fresh political speculation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Sources within the party suggest that the delay is partly strategic with Atiku reportedly waiting for several All Progressives Congress (APC) governors planning to defect to the ADC before holding the public reception.

The development comes amid reports that the ADC has been engaged in discreet talks with former President Goodluck Jonathan about a possible presidential run in 2027. Jonathan is believed to be reluctant to return to the PDP due to internal power struggles, particularly the influence of Rivers State’s Nyesom Wike. Party insiders say coalition leaders have met Jonathan three times and received encouraging signals with the former president expressing concern over Nigeria’s worsening economy under President Bola Tinubu’s policies.

There are also suggestions of underlying tensions between Atiku and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi with claims that Obi’s political movement has gained significant control over ADC structures in the South. Some insiders warn that if the situation remains unresolved, Atiku could shift to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), where some believe his arrival might form a powerful “political cartel.” The recent suspension of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai from the SDP is reportedly linked to this fear.

Jonathan’s campaign posters have already appeared online, pairing him with prominent politicians such as Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso. However, his wife, Patience Jonathan, has publicly ruled out his return to the Villa, pledging her support for First Lady Oluremi Tinubu in 2027.

Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, dismissed speculation linking the delay to Jonathan or any other political figure, insisting that Atiku’s ADC registration process is ongoing. He described Atiku as “a democrat who welcomes competition” and reaffirmed his readiness to work with Nigerians of goodwill to provide a credible alternative to the APC.